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Calls for change as surgeons deal with pregnancy loss in silence
Despite a newly-launched scheme by NHS England offering 10 days of paid leave after miscarriage, within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, recent survey findings highlight that the surgical workplace still fails to support pregnant surgeons and surgical trainees, while also failing to help them navigate complex parental leave protocol. A study by Jessica Whitburn, Saiful Miah, and
Sarah Howles highlights further statistics, revealing that the rate of pregnancy loss in trainees under the age of 35 is three times that expected within the age group. Coupled with an unsupportive and often disempowering environment, this results in the shocking reality of women miscarrying and continuing with their working day, even keeping the situation a secret. The Confederation of British Surgery, a trade union for the surgical workforce, is calling for a change in culture, to establish a more supportive working environment, which empowers surgeons to adjust their working practices when pregnant, and to seek help and support when required. Additionally, it calls for support and signposting to resources, and clear guidance around parental leave.
Given the study’s revelation that the pressures
of training often lead female surgeons to delay childbearing until later, increasing the likelihood of needing IVF, the CBS advocates for recognition and awareness of higher-risk pregnancies. This recognition would result in more supportive measures and flexibility, such as reduced night shifts and shorter working hours. Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mark Henley,
President of the Confederation of British Surgery, said: “It is frankly horrifying – if not outright barbaric – to hear accounts of the struggles female surgeons and surgical trainees are still experiencing during times when they desperately need support. We call for a change in culture and a shift to a supportive environment. CBS is committed to amplifying voices, building a culture that encourages openness, and providing the necessary support systems to address challenges facing female surgeons.” CBS’s Clinical Psychologist-in-residence,
Dr. Richard Sherry, who specialises in high- pressure environments, underscores the psychological impact of these challenges on surgical professionals. He states: “Recognising and addressing the challenges faced by female surgeons and surgical trainees is the cornerstone to creating a supportive and positive working environment. The alarming statistics, revealing three times higher rates of pregnancy loss among
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I July 2024
Future Surgery: surgical innovation in the spotlight
This year, Future Surgery is set to take place on 1-2 October at ExCeL London. Future Surgery is fully CPD accredited and completely free to attend for all surgical professionals and multidisciplinary teams in perioperative care. You can register for your free ticket at:
bit.ly/3yV1Dct This year, the expert line-up of speakers
will cover in-depth topics on robotics and technology, global health innovations, workforce transformations and more. The first confirmed speakers include:
female surgical trainees under the age of 35, coupled with the lack of supportive measures in many Trusts, highlight the urgent need for a cultural shift. “Trusts must commit to nurturing an
environment that values and supports female surgeons, addressing the consequences of long working hours during pregnancy, and recognising and supporting high-risk pregnancies. Failure to provide this support not only impacts the wellbeing of female surgeons but also jeopardises the overall quality of patient care.” According to consultant plastic surgeon
and CBS Board member, Philippa Jackson: “The announcement of paid leave is a major step towards recognising miscarriage as a significant event, which warrants additional time off. I know women who have continued to work through their miscarriage placing their own physical and mental health at risk. Having this formally recognised and a further change in culture should help people feel validation for what is a major life event and gives permission for us to take care of ourselves, so we can continue to care for others.” CBS offers all its members a 24/7 counselling helpline, with qualified and experienced counsellors who can provide a pathway to structured therapy sessions, including for miscarriage and bereavement. Members also have access to wellbeing and health support, including medical information from qualified nurses. The Confederation has also signed the
Pregnancy Loss Pledge with the Miscarriage Association, a campaign that urges employers across the UK to commit to supporting their staff through the distress of
miscarriage.It encourages businesses and organisations to meet their pregnancy loss standard to ensure that employees going through what can be a very difficult or traumatic time get the support and time off they need.
l Tim Mitchell, President, RCS England l Nuha Yassin, Council Lead for the Future of Surgery and Robotics, RCS England
l Ryan Kerstein, Clinical Lead, RCS England Innovation Hub
l Scarlett McNally, President, Medical Women’s Federation
l Clare McNaught, Vice President, RCS Edinburgh
l Deborah Eastwood, Immediate Past President, British Orthopaedic Association
l Rowan Parks, President, RCS Edinburgh l Alice Hartley, Chair of RCS Edinburgh Anti- Bullying Campaign
l Jag Dhanda, Professor of Surgery, Professor of Extended Reality in Medicine and Surgery, Consultant OMFS/Head Neck Surgeon, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead
You can view the preliminary programme here:
bit.ly/4bZHRer
AfPP roadshow
The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with a new AfPP Roadshow, taking place in seven UK cities. AfPP is bringing together some of the
perioperative sector’s most inspirational and forward-looking healthcare professionals to present a variety of absorbing, not-to-be missed presentations. This is a fantastic networking opportunity, and you will have the chance to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and build relationships with a room full of like-minded individuals. Topics range from ‘bullying, harassment and assertiveness’; to ‘patient skin preparation and draping’; and ‘creating a sterile field’. For full details of the programme, visit: https://www.eventbrite. com/cc/the-afpp-roadshow-2935759
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